CLEOPATRA (1963)

Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Written by: Sidney Buchman, Ronald MacDougall, Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison
Rated: G

About the film:
Cleopatra tells the story of the queen of Egypt who, in an attempt to increase her power and sphere of influence, seduces the Roman emperor Caesar and bears his child. After he is assassinated by his enemies she turns to his general, Marc Antony, who also succumbs to her charms. Together they are threatened by the armies of Caesar’s successor, Octavian.

Movie Quote:
“The way to prevent war is to be ready for it.”
Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) in Cleopatra (1963)

Bible Quote:
“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.”
Luke 11:21 (NIV)


Commentary:
Cleopatra, as depicted in this film, was a scheming, manipulative woman but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from her words. In the quoted example, she is speaking words that are as true today as they were during her time.

One day, praise God, there will be no more wars. But that day exists somewhere in the future and according to the teachings of Jesus Christ in Luke 21, that day will not come while we are still in this world.

Since we are currently living in this present world, war is a sad reality for which we must be prepared. In one of our world’s many paradoxes, it is a nation’s ability to effectively wage war that will most effectively keep it at peace. The stronger a nation’s military, the less likely other nations will be to rise up against it. Like any predator, our enemies will sense and exploit all weaknesses we may exhibit. It is our strength and our willingness to use that strength that keeps them at bay.

I do not begrudge the United States for having a strong military. I am thankful. We should pray daily for those in our nation’s armed forces, giving thanks for the strength that they provide and for the peace that they are seeking to ensure.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. How do Cleopatra’s words relate to our spiritual lives?
2. Why can there never be peace on earth? What must happen first?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com